One More Reason for Mexico Cruises: The Port of Chiapas
March 31, 2006
Mexico cruises have always been popular, especially with los Americanos. Now, the country has opened another port to which cruise travelers can sail. The Port of Chiapas will give travelers more opportunity to see some of Mexico's rich culture and history. With several impressive Mayan sites, an eclectic capital city, and top notch beaches, the Chiapas region offers much to the traveler.
The State of Chiapas is located in the south tip of Mexico, on the Pacific side, bordered by the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Tabasco, as well as the Central American country of Guatemala. Being that the Chiapas is relatively close to the Panama Canal, expect to find this cruise port on the itineraries of both Mexico cruises and Panama Canal cruises.
In the state's capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez, there is much to see. Visit the Cathedral of San Marcos, a 16th century structure that's located on the central plaza in downtown. Its most outstanding characteristic is its clock, which chimes songs on the hour while figurines circle the tower.
Those with a green thumb (and not just from the guacamole) will love the Fausto Miranda Botanical Gardens. Here you'll a wide of flora that covers almost all of the species indigenous to Chiapas-from jungle species to desert cacti, medicinal plants to beautiful decorative flowers.
Or, spend part of your day seeing a bit of history at the Chiapas Regional Museum. This museum opened in 1940 and contains many Mesoamerican relics and artifacts within its doors. While it is definitely worth the trip, one doesn't need to visit a museum to experience Mesoamerican history.
The Chiapas has four very popular Mayan sites that are located in the northern part of the state. Finding tour companies that will take you to the sites is easy; no doubt your cruise line will have several options for you.
The most famous of the sites is Palenque. Being that it is located not far from Palenque city, you won't have to travel far to get there. This ancient city holds over 200 buildings of varying size and complexity situated on some 620 acres.
Other sites include Bonampak, which has buildings with wall paintings that are still vivid. Getting to Yaxhilan, which lies on the crocodile-laden Usamanti River, can only be done by boat and makes for quite the adventure! Tonina, built on the side of a large hill, is an impressive site located near Ocosingo. The ruin site is one that.
possible for those on Mexico cruises because of the Mexican Government's $7 million investment in the development of the Port of Chiapas, which is expected to receive a significant number of cruise calls in 2006. With about 5 ½ million cruisers visiting Mexico in 2005, it's evident that Mexico cruises are an integral part of not just their tourism economy, but their economy in general.While this region of Mexico is open to visitors year-round, the best time to visit the Chiapas on one of the Mexico cruises is during September, when the temperature has cooled down somewhat and the summer rains have infused the land with color.
Other ports of call you'll find on Mexico cruises include the scuba diving haven of Cozumel, which is located south of Cancun and is currently recovering from Hurricane Wilma. Still, don't forget Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Huatulco, and Ensenada; each has something unique to offer travelers on Mexico cruises.
Call a Cruise Network Cruise Specialist at 1-888-267-1232 so that you can run your fingers through the sand at any one of them.
